Riddles Court Wedding - Duncan & Bex's Micro Wedding

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Duncan & Bex had the sweetest micro wedding at Riddles Court surrounded by family. When I arrived, their house was full, with cats, dogs, kids & relatives. It was magically bustling and full of smiles :-)

When everyone was ready we all jumped in taxi’s and headed to Riddles Court.

It was my first time at Riddles Court but I’ve admired it for a while. I love the stunning 16th Century architecture and the colourful orange facade.

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History & Location

The Scottish Historic Buildings Trust Scottish (SHBT) finished renovating Riddles Court in 2017 and have preserved it’s heritage which dates back to King James VI. The building was used by important people close to the king. It even held a royal banquet in 1598. It’s has a pentice stair which leads from the first floor to the second, I love this quirky, beautiful feature. Duncan & Bex enjoyed exploring it for some photographs.

Riddles Court is just off the Lawnmarket, very close Edinburgh Castle. It’s a hidden hidden gem which you only discover when you walk up Riddles Close.

The Kids

Duncan & Bex love reportage photography and asked me to just capture the fun of the day. The kids were unknowingly entertaining everyone throughout the day so it was fun watching what they were going to do next and capturing all the little interactions between them and the other guests. From Bex’s son making face’s during the vows or asking his baby cousin for some shreddies or the girls dancing in the grand Geddes room. There was so much joy in watching them.

The Spaces

Duncan and Bex chose the smaller Seton room for their ceremony. With its ornate 17th century plasterwork and cosy window booths it is the perfect place to sign the register and then have a little snuggle whilst enjoying the magical views over Diagon Alley (or you could call it Victoria Street). Riddles Court has many spaces for events. The amazing painted ceiling & panelled walls of the grand Geddes Room got the flower girls in a spin, they danced around having a little ceilidh with each other. We didn’t explore the light airy library, but both the library and the Geddes room can seat 60 guests for your ceremony and 40 for a meal.

The Kings Chamber

Duncan and Bex weren’t staying overnight but you can hire the Kings Chamber if you’re feeling regal. The chamber is a special intimate space, once used for the king to hold a dinner party, it is now a beautiful apartment.

Riddles Court Website

The Royal Mile

Riddles Court is so close to the registry office at the Edinburgh City Chambers that Bex popped in to drop off their wedding certificate on her way to their wedding lunch.

I walked with Duncan and his family down the Royal Mile and loved capturing his nieces enjoying a shoulder carry. It was a beautiful moment to finish the day. 

If you love Old Town Edinburgh, hit the button below and have a look at Shra & Neil’s gorgeous wedding at the City Chambers, just down from Riddles Court.

City Chambers Wedding

The Wedding Team

Photography: Ali Jay Photography

Ceremony Officiant: Evelyn May Cowie

Dress: Nancy Mac

Suit: Grooms Own

Wedding Coordinator: Erin, Riddles Court

Venue: Riddles Court Weddings

Micro Wedding Edinburgh - A Beautifully Small Wedding

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June 2020

Remember when weddings were stopped and we had to hide away at home! It’s such a distant memory now.

When Drew & Diana originally got in touch they were planning a big wedding party but two days after the strict restrictions of spring 2020 were lifted for weddings, they wed in the tiniest ceremony, in a strangely silent Edinburgh with just 6 guests.

It was the weirdest wedding but so beautiful. The city chambers moved it’s registrar’s to a garden on the Royal Mile. I had to shoot from the garden next door but to be out and see a wedding was such a joy!

I remember how the chairs were meticulously spaced out for the ceremony and one of the guest’s left the garden so I could take a couple of pictures of them. Edinburgh was closed so we explored the silent streets and then they headed off and had a little picnic to celebrate.

Over the next year I watched the restrictions change, there were different rules at every wedding. Gradually people were allowed to get closer again and eventually they were allowed to dance and then I watched as people just started to forget about the virus and just get on with life as normal. Fingers crossed we don’t see anything like it again.

“Ali photographed our wedding beautifully. We were one of this few people to get married just after the Covid restrictions were lifted.

She took a tiny group of 8 people and directed us into the most perfect places and positions for the most fun, sweet, touching photos.

She was an absolute joy to have around and work with. She was particularly good with our 8 year old twins (who can be a bit of a handful).

I would recommend Ali without hesitation, an excellent photographer and a fantastic, fun person to have around.

Look no further. You've found the right person.”

- Drew & Diana Long